Explorer, 19 Nights Roos, Reefs & Romance ex Sydney to Bali (Benoa)

Seven Seas Explorer® took luxury cruising to the next level, from the palatial Regent Suite to the hand-picked art accentuating her halls.

Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia, is the state capital of Queensland and the most populous city of Queensland. The settlement grew from an original penal colony, established in 1825. Free settlers were permitted in 1842 and Queensland was proclaimed a separate colony in 1859. Due to its growing live music scene, Brisbane was nominated as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots by Billboard magazine in 2007.

Airlie Beach, Australia
Soak up the laid-back, tropical atmosphere of the coastal village of Airlie Beach. This vibrant town is filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants. Walk down Shute Harbour Road, the main street and back bone of Airlie Beach that is lined with outdoor restaurants, cafes and bars. Airlie Beach is also the gateway to the Whitsundays, the 74 pristine islands in the north of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef where you can visit luxurious resorts and sip cocktails by the pool, bask in the sun or relax in a spa.

Townsville, Australia
Head out to the Great Barrier Reef Headquarters Aquarium, or discover the local beaches and enjoy the tropical scenery, the seafront promenade, galleries and shops. Venture out to stunning Magnetic Island with its national park, miles of walking trails and wildlife. Take home local artwork, crafts, jewelry and souvenirs. Savor fresh seafood along with a wide variety of international cuisines, perhaps a cold beer or a glass of fine wine.

Cairns, Australia
Cairns is the capital of Far North Queensland, and its east coastal cities rest along the Great Barrier Reef. The state of Queensland occupies a vast 667,000 square miles and much of the land remains uninhabited, covered with miles of rainforest where Australian teak, hopp, pine and fig trees abound. Before 1879, when the city of Cairns was established, the only inhabitants of this region were the Aborigines, the culture for which Australia is perhaps best known.

Cooktown, Australia
This quaint frontier town, scenically located on Cape York Peninsula in Far North Queensland, Cooktown is the site of Australia’s first European settlement. The town is named after the famous South Seas explorer Captain Cook, and Cook’s Pillar marks the spot where his ship, the Endeavour landed ashore in 1770. Grassy Hill offers a 360° panorama of the countryside and pristine beaches. The area remains a near-wilderness offering dramatic mountains, eucalypts, mangroves and rainforests, heathlands, grasslands, and rivers for the adventurous traveler.

Darwin, Australia
Along the coast of the Northern Territory lies Darwin, a city isolated by the vast Australian desert. The area was sought by the French, Dutch and British, and was established as the town of Darwin in 1869. In 1942, the city was under the threat of a Japanese attack, so a major Australian military base was established. Today Darwin is the largest city of the Northern Territory, offering sights from its colonial past and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Kupang (West Timor), Indonesia
This enchanting island offers rugged landscapes, vibrant markets and a rich cultural tapestry to explore. Delight in learning about the local traditions at the Kupang Museum, home to artifacts that trace the city's history from ancient times to the present day. Indulge in the flavors of authentic Timorese cuisine, from savory seafood dishes to spicy sambals. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of nearby islands like Semau and Rote, where pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters await exploration.

Komodo, Indonesia
Indonesia’s isolated Komodo Island is a natural wonder of tropical savanna and scrubland, home to the famed pre-historic Komodo dragon. Komodo National Park is the only place on earth that they can be found in the wild. The island of Komodo itself is about 60 squares miles in area with dramatic landscapes of 2,000 foot craggy mountains, canyons, Savannas and monsoon rain forests in the valleys. Human habitation is therefore limited to only one settlement in Slawi Bay.

Lombok (Lembar), Indonesia
Dominated by imposing Mount Rinjani, Matarm, Lombok’s capital, draws divers, surfers and trekkers with its natural attractions. Senggigi, located along a stretch of sweeping bays, is popular with those who seeking a languid day on the beach. Other day trips include Sukarara Village, renowned for its lovely, intricately patterned cotton and silk ikat cloth, used for sarongs, wall hangings and other unique items. And be sure to take an outing to Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda islands, where the evocative Mayura Water Palace sits on an artificial lake and features a floating pavilion; and Narmada Palace, still used in Balinese ceremonies to this day. For that perfect keepsake, head to Cakranegara Market, the Pearl Shop, or the nearby pottery village of Banyumulek.

Bali (Benoa), Indonesia
Benoa’s charms are most evident in Nusa Dua, one of the most beautiful beaches in already-legendary Bali. In this land of rice terraces, spectacular volcanoes and over 20,000 temples, the main destination is the stunning 17th-century royal temple complex of Pura Taman Ayun in nearby Mengwi, surrounded by a lotus-filled moat, giving it the feel of a garden sanctuary. Another favorite is the Sunset Temple, Tanah Lot, and don’t miss the batik factories for that perfect gift or souvenir.